plural fables
1
: a short story that usually is about animals and that is intended to teach a lesson
Aesop's fables
a fable about busy ants
2
: a story or statement that is not true
The story that he won the battle single-handedly is a mere fable.
He combines fact and fable to make a more interesting story.
Cite this Entry
“Fable.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fable. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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